UPDATED: Western UP Health Department reports two new positive COVID-19 cases in Houghton County

HOUGHTON COUNTY -- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) is investigating two unrelated new positive COVID-19 cases in Houghton County. The first person recently traveled from another state to visit family. Local testing reports will list this case as a non-Michigan positive while they recover in the area. The second person recently returned home after wintering in another state. WUPHD is currently conducting case investigations and will inform any close contacts about exposure risk.

[UPDATE, May 28: WUPHD testing statistics report a third new positive case in Houghton County, posted on the WUPHD Facebook page and in the May 27 Testing Statistics page for the 5-county area. Their Facebook page states, "There are additional positives in Houghton County. Two are connected to yesterday's cases. The third is not related and does not have a history of travel. The Health Department continues the case investigation and contact tracing process."]

"The ability of people to travel more and to gather in groups of 10 or less as we re-open brings increased risk of exposure," said Kate Beer, Health Officer at WUPHD. "We must continue to take safe steps to reduce the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19."*

The following are tips for a safer gathering:
1. Keep it small. A gathering should be under 10 people.
2. Meet outside.
3. Stay at least six feet apart.
4. Wash or sanitize hands often.
5. Wear masks if possible.
6. Do not share food, drinks, or other items. Have everyone bring their own snacks or serve food with single-use serving utensils.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. People with these symptoms or combinations of
symptoms may have COVID-19:
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of these symptoms:
• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
People should seek immediate medical attention if they have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, or bluish lips or face.

A State informational hotline is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern Time) seven days per week. That number is 1-888-535-6136. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found on the WUPHD website, the MDHHS website, or the CDC website.

Click here for the WUPHD May 27 Testing Statistics.

*Editor's Notes:

See Gov. Whitmer's May 21 Executive Order 2020-96, Temporary requirement to suspend certain activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. It explains activities that are permitted, with restrictions for protection against spreading the virus.

According to Gov. Whitmer's May 22 Executive Order 2020-100, Executive Orders 2020-62, 2020-69, and 2020-96 will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on June 12, 2020.